The
Adventures of Jasper Woodbury
Combining
cooperative groups and mathematical problem solving, this videodisc
program for middle school students was developed by the Learning
Technology Center at Vanderbilt University. Each of the six episodes,
presented on 3 videodiscs, begins with a short movie that sets up
a problem and poses a challenge. Whether stuck, out of gas, in a
motorboat on a darkening lake, or plotting the course for a 5-mile
race, the kids and adults in these engaging scenarios present believable
dilemmas to be solved with mathematical and analytic skill. Content
areas include: the relationship between distance, rate and time
(trip-planning episodes); the use of probability and statistics
(developing business plans); the use of geometry (map reading).
The problems are designed for small group explorationÑthey require
planning, research, collaboration, and problem solving. An accompanying
notebook includes reproducible lesson materials, teaching tips and
additional activities to enhance problem solving.
Available
from:
Optical Data Corporation
30 Technology Drive
Warren, NJ
07059 (1-800-524-2481)
Available
for Mac with 4 MB of RAM and hard disk drive, running System 6.0.7
or later.
Cost: Six episode set $1,795; Individual discs (two episodes) $695.
Get
It Together: Math Problems for Groups, Grades 4-12
With
over 100 mathematics problems, this collection is designed for use
with cooperative groups. Each activity provides six clue cards,
each of which gives a piece of information that will help solve
the group problem. Interactive sharing from each cardholder is essential
to find an answer. The book covers a variety of mathematical topics
including numbers and operations, logic, geometry, probability,
measurement and functions. Each topic area includes activities of
varying difficulty, and a handy grid at the back of the book matches
grade levels and topics with activities. The book also offers advice
on using cooperative learning in the classroom.
Available
from:
EQUALS Project
Lawrence Hall of Science
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720
(510-642-1823).
Cost: $15.00.
The
Great Solar System Rescue
This
astronomical adventure on videodisc launches students (grades 5-8)
into the year 2210 on a quest for missing space probes lost in our
solar system. Using clues from a variety of disciplines including
geology, meteorology, history, and astronomy, cooperative teams
locate the missing satellite and choose one of several suggested
rescue strategies. A video library of stills and action clips about
astronomical phenomenon accompanies the structured activities and
greatly expands the possibilities for extended use. Clips range
from a still representation of the mass of Jupiter to a computer
simulation of a moonscape based on data sent back by the Voyager
probe. The authors estimate the program can take from 4 to 12 class
periods.
Available
from:
Tom Snyder Productions
80 Coolidge Hill Road
Watertown,MA 02172-2817
(1-800-342-0236)
Available
for Mac 3 1/2 (2 Megs, color) or Windows 3 1/2 (256 K).
Cost: $299.95 for kit includes 1 videodisc, teacher guide and student
report booklets and blackline masters.
Mars City Alpha
In
this classroom simulation for grades 5-8, student teams design the
first human habitat for Mars. The year is 2043 and the teams must
study questions concerning biological life support, health and recreation,
governance, geology and meteorology. The heart of the boxed kit
is the student Mission Manuals, which provide detailed discussion
of the various challenges confronting the designers. The kit's additional
resources include color posters, activity booklets, and a glossy
magazine-format manual on Mars. The teams come together after completing
their individual assignments and the entire class designs the Martian
city. The project can take from 4 to 9 weeks.
Contact:
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
1055 North Fairfax Street, Suite 100,
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703-683-9740)
Cost: $85.
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